Full Breakdown
Kamala Harris Reflects on Tensions with Biden in "107 Days"
9/20/2025, 12:41:23 AM
Revelations from "107 Days"
In her upcoming memoir, "107 Days," Kamala Harris candidly discusses her tumultuous 2024 presidential campaign against Donald Trump, revealing significant tensions with President Joe Biden. Harris recounts a pivotal phone call from Biden just hours before her debate with Trump, where he expressed concerns about her standing with influential Philadelphia power brokers. He suggested that they might withdraw support due to her criticisms of him, which left Harris feeling "angry and disappointed." She reflects on the call, stating, “I just couldn’t understand why he would call me, right now, and make it all about himself.”
Criticism of Biden's Campaign Performance
Throughout the memoir, Harris critiques Biden's performance during the campaign, particularly after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. She notes that Biden struggled to address reproductive rights effectively, and she observed a decline in his verbal acuity, stating, “His voice was no longer strong, his verbal stumbles more frequent.” Harris also describes an awkward July 4 meeting where she sensed Biden's frailty, leading to frustrations expressed by her husband, Doug Emhoff, about the lack of support from Biden's team.
Harris's Campaign Challenges
Harris's campaign, which lasted only 107 days, was marked by her struggle to distance herself from Biden. Advisers warned her that “people hate Joe Biden,” and she faced pressure to clarify her position without alienating the president. A notable incident occurred during an appearance on "The View," where she stated she could not think of anything she would have done differently than Biden, a comment she later described as “pulling the pin on a hand grenade,” which her staff believed would benefit the Trump campaign.
Official Statements & Responses
In her memoir, Harris acknowledges the complexities of her relationship with Biden, stating, “I was in the worst position to make the case that he should drop out.” She reflects on the recklessness of not challenging his decision to run for a second term, suggesting that it may have been a miscalculation on her part. Biden ultimately withdrew from the race after a poor debate performance, endorsing Harris shortly thereafter.
Criticism from Peers
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, criticized Harris for not publicly addressing concerns about Biden's fitness to serve. He remarked, “She’s going to have to answer to how she was in the room and yet never said anything publicly.” Shapiro had previously expressed his worries about Biden's ability to run for another term, emphasizing the importance of winning Pennsylvania in the electoral landscape.
What's Next for Harris
Following her campaign defeat, Harris announced she would not pursue a gubernatorial bid in California, despite earlier considerations. She plans to embark on a book tour to promote "107 Days," which is set for release on September 23, 2025. The memoir serves as a reflection on her brief campaign and the dynamics within the Democratic Party, particularly her relationship with Biden.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She writes of Biden: “I just couldn’t understand why he would call me, right now, and make it all about himself.” — Kamala Harris
- “His voice was no longer strong, his verbal stumbles more frequent,” — Kamala Harris
- “I had no idea I’d just pulled the pin on a hand grenade,” — Kamala Harris
- “She’s going to have to answer to how she was in the room and yet never said anything publicly.” — Josh Shapiro
Harris's memoir is poised to spark further discussion about her political future and the implications of her candid reflections on her time in office.
